Celebrating Mozart's 250th

Composer a favorite of symphony and audience members.

Composer a favorite of symphony and audience members.

January 25, 2006|JULIE FERRARO Tribune Correspondent

SOUTH BEND -- Partyin' like it's 1756. Music lovers came out Sunday afternoon to celebrate Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 250th birthday in high style. The concert by the South Bend Symphony Orchestra was part of the June H. Edwards Chamber Concert Series at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center at the University of Notre Dame. Mozart was born on Jan. 27, 1756, in Salzburg, Austria. He started performing as a youngster and composed numerous pieces performed around the world before dying at the age of 35. His legacy continues to inspire musicians to this day, making a commemoration of his birthday more than fitting. "Mozart's why I play violin," said Candace Thomas of South Bend, one of the musicians with the South Bend Symphony. "I've been listening to Mozart since I was 13 years old." Thomas recalled that when she was part of the Youth Symphony, the conductor made the musicians purchase copies of Mozart's 40th, because they weren't playing it correctly. "I wore it out, I listened to it so much." She made frequent visits to the library, too, checking out other recordings of Mozart's music. "His music is beloved by all of us," agreed Ed Randles of South Bend, who plays bass viol with the Symphony. "He's obviously considered one of the greatest composers." Violinist Nicolas Orbovich of Michigan City has performed with the South Bend Symphony for 15 years. He quoted one of his teachers, "Literature has Shakespeare, the visual arts have DaVinci, and music has Mozart." In his own words, he added, "He's supreme." Besides performances of selections chosen from among Mozart's best works, guest pianist Jacqueline Schmidt rolled a huge cake onto the stage, alight with candles, at the conclusion of the concert. Tenor Paul Appleby, who also performed at the concert, sported a powdered wig and costume, blowing out the candles in Mozart's stead. The cake was decorated with the image of a grand piano and read, "Happy Birthday, Mozart." Those in attendance enjoyed slices of the cake during the reception which followed, along with a chance to chat with conductor Tsung Yeh and the guest artists. "We're here to listen to and support Jacqueline Schmidt," noted Rich Hall of Granger, who came with his wife, Marian. "Jacqueline was totally immersed in the music" as she played Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor. "I enjoy a lot of different music," Marian said, but being able to both see and hear Schmidt perform Mozart was a fantastic experience. "It really was a wonderful tribute" honoring Mozart, said Helga Jean of Granger. Her friends Bettie Dippo and Shirley Flood echoed her enthusiasm. "Mozart is one of my favorites," Flood confirmed. Sunday afternoon wasn't the only celebration of Mozart's birthday the South Bend Symphony has in the works. At 8 p.m. this Saturday, Mozart's Birthday Bash will take place at the Morris Performing Arts Center, featuring more of Mozart's music, as well as selections from other composers. What better way to celebrate a birthday?